The senior director of faith outreach at the Humane Society of the United States, Christine Gutleben, told the New York Times, "If the pope did mean that all animals go to heaven, then the implication is that animals have a soul." The pope has set a great example at recognizing what animals have been showing us all along: They do, indeed, have souls. Here are just a few examples.

In 2005, a 12-year-old girl was abducted and beaten by seven men attempting to force her into marriage with one of them. The girl was missing for a week when she was found guarded by three lions. Police say that the lions “stood guard until we found her and then they just left her like a gift and went back into the forest.” If it weren’t for these lions, the girl’s fate most likely would have been far worse.

4.When Roselle and Salty led their blind humans down 70 floors in the World Trade Center before the towers fell on September 11th.

In 2013, a babysitter was arrested for child abuse thanks to their loyal family dog. The babysitter had been working for the family for five months when Killian, their normally friendly dog, became volatile around her. This roused the parents' suspicions, so they decided to leave an iPhone under their couch to record what happened when they were gone. Unfortunately, the iPhone confirmed their suspicions: The woman had been verbally and physically abusive to the child. Thanks to the heroic dog, the baby is back in safe hands (and paws).

6.Every day that therapy animals of all kinds bring joy and comfort to humans.

After pushing her human's daughter and niece out of the way of a speeding motorcyclist, Kabang suffered extensive injuries. Luckily, her story touched people around the world and she was able to go to the United States to undergo her lifesaving surgeries.

Tarra and Bella were best friends in an elephant sanctuary. When the dog, Bella, sadly passed away, Tarra found Bella and carried her back home to bury her. Amazingly, as Tarra was grieving, the other elephants gathered around, bringing food to comfort her.